Women Veterans Program Provides Health Care, Healing and Hope
Care providers in the Women Veterans Program at Washington DC VA Medical Center recognize that every women Veteran has a unique story that directly impacts their health care needs.
Their mission is to provide safe, quality comprehensive care that is tailored to each Veteran’s health and wellness goals.
“We strive to know every Veteran we treat on a personal level,” said Women Veterans Program Manager, Shana Balogun, R.N. “You’re more than just a patient or a woman Veteran to us, you are a human being with unique aspirations that we want to help you reach. By getting to know you and your goals, we can create a personalized care plan that grows and evolves as you do.”
More than 15,000 women Veterans in Washington D.C., and parts of Maryland and Virginia, receive care through the Women Veterans Program, which offers services at six VA community-based outpatient clinics and a dedicated Women’s Health Center at Washington DC VA Medical Center.
The program provides primary care, mental health care and maternity care as well as gynecology and lifestyle wellness services. Specialty care is also available for:
- Uterine Bleeding
- Contraception Options
- Women Wellness Exams
- Hormonal Replacement Therapy
- Menopausal care
- Infertility Evaluation
- Lactation support
- Mammogram Consults
- Ultrasounds
- Nutrition Services
- Endometriosis
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Military Sexual Trauma
- Postpartum support
Recently, the Women Veterans Program added Urogynecology, a subspecialty of gynecology, to the list of services they provide. This means that Veterans with bladder, bowel or pelvic floor health concerns can be treated by their local VA care team for the following conditions:
- Pelvic organs prolapse (falling of internal organs)
- Bladder control problems (urinary incontinence)
- Problems holding bowel movements (fecal incontinence)
- Pelvic floor pain
- Painful intercourse
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
“Previously, we had to send patients into the community for this level of care. We are thrilled now to not only offer this service to Veterans at our main medical center but also at our community-based outpatient clinic in Montgomery County, Maryland,” said Balogun.
In addition to physical and mental health opportunities, the Women Veterans Program organizes several classes and support groups to help Veterans navigate stressful situations like becoming a new parent and battling illnesses. In 2023, they added a support group for Veterans with breast cancer to their lineup.
“Breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis, and the treatment process can be stressful, scary and isolating if you don’t have support,” said Balogun. “Our Veteran Breast Cancer Support Group creates an opportunity for us to provide that support in a more personal setting where we can listen to your struggles and fears and offer knowledge to help ease you through whatever stage of healing you are in.”
The support group, titled If These Breasts Could Talk, meets virtually the first and third Wednesday of every month for participants to, as the name suggests, share their story and connect with peers who have similar experiences.
“Whatever stage of healing you are in, we want to help you build a network of support that reminds you that you are not alone,” said Balogun. “Together we will share in your struggles and celebrate your triumphs because in the Women Veterans Program, you’re more than just a patient to us.”
Learn more about health care services for women Veterans at Washington DC VA Medical Center.
Learn how you can join the virtual Women Veterans Breast Cancer Support Group, If These Breasts Could Talk, on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6-7 p.m.